Research & Insights Director

The Institute of Internal Auditors; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is seeking a Director, Research & Insights to lead the Internal Audit Foundation's research agenda. Located hybrid in Lake Mary, FL, this role oversees a portfolio of studies and transforms data into insights that advance the internal audit profession.

You will manage a small team, collaborate with academic partners and sponsors, and publish high-impact research from concept to publication, strengthening the IIA's thought leadership globally.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in research, analytics, or related field.
• Experience designing and leading research projects (quantitative and qualitative).
• Experience presenting research to executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Foundation's annual research agenda aligned with priorities.
• Lead end-to-end research projects from design to publication.
• Collaborate with CREA, sponsors, academia, and external partners.
• Ensure rigorous methodologies aligned with best practices.
• Analyze data to produce actionable insights and thought leadership.
• Present findings to executives, boards, and industry audiences.
• Mentor and develop the Research & Insights team.
• Serve as an enterprise SME on methodology and trends.

Skills

Quantitative & qualitative research

Research design

Data storytelling

Leadership & mentorship

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Research, Business, Education, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field

Tools

Qualtrics

Verint

SPSS

Q

Job description

Director, Research & Insights

Location: Lake Mary, FL (Hybrid)

Department: Research & Insights

Reports To: Vice President, IA Foundation & Professional Pathways

Status: Full-Time | Exempt

About The IIA

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the global leader and recognized authority for the internal audit profession. We are dedicated to advancing the profession worldwide through education, advocacy, certifications, and professional resources. Guided by our values of People First, Integrity, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation, we provide a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace where employees can grow professionally while making a global impact.

Why Join The IIA?

• Make a global impact by advancing the internal audit profession.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven culture.
• Be part of an organization that values innovation and continuous learning.
• Grow your career while contributing to meaningful work that strengthens organizations around the world.
• Join a team committed to integrity, accountability, and putting people first.

Position Summary

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director, Research & Insights to lead the Internal Audit Foundation's research agenda and strengthen the IIA's position as the leading authority on internal audit research and thought leadership.

In this leadership role, you will establish the Foundation's research strategy, oversee a portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research initiatives, collaborate with global partners and academic advisors, and transform complex data into meaningful insights that advance the internal audit profession. As both a leader and individual contributor, you will manage a small team while personally leading high-impact research projects from concept through publication.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position based in Lake Mary, Florida, combining in-office collaboration with remote work.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute the Foundation's annual research agenda in alignment with organizational priorities and the advancement of the internal audit profession.
• Lead end-to-end research projects, including research design, data collection, statistical analysis, report development, and publication.
• Partner with the Committee of Research and Education Advisors (CREA), research sponsors, academic institutions, and external organizations to support strategic research initiatives.
• Ensure research methodologies are rigorous, reliable, and aligned with industry best practices.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to produce actionable insights and thought leadership for internal and external stakeholders.
• Present research findings and strategic updates to executive leadership, board members, conferences, and industry audiences.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Research & Insights team while fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as an enterprise subject matter expert on research methodology, data interpretation, and industry trends.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Research, Business, Education, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in research, analytics, higher education, professional associations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading quantitative and qualitative research projects.
• Experience managing research initiatives from planning through publication.
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and research methodologies.
• Experience using research and survey platforms such as Qualtrics, Verint, SPSS, Q, or similar analytical tools.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, presentation, and storytelling skills with the ability to communicate insights to executive audiences.
• Proven leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a professional association, nonprofit, higher education institution, or member-based organization.
• Experience collaborating with advisory committees, academic partners, or research sponsors.
• Knowledge of governance, risk management, internal audit, or professional certification environments.
• Experience presenting research findings at conferences, webinars, or executive forums.
• Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.